Celebrating Graduation 2014!

10 Jul 2014

Sunshine, stars and smiles mark Conferment of Degrees this week and next

Students, watched by their proud families and friends, are being awarded their degrees at Congregations for the Conferment of Degrees this week and next.

The ceremonies are taking place at Whitworth Hall, Oxford Road from Monday, 7 July to Friday, 18 July.

The sun has been out for the first week of ceremonies, perfectly lighting up an array of celebrations laid on by the Directorate of Student Experience, the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, Directorate of Estates and the Hospitality and Events team.

A jazz band is providing the ambient soundtrack to a busy refreshments tent and our newest graduates taking the chance to have be photographed with some of our most celebrated stars – actor Benedict Cumberbatch, newsreader Sophie Raworth, TV science icon Professor Brian Cox and suffragette Christabel Pankhurst (in the form of life-sized cardboard cut-outs).

The photo opportunities continue with a comedy booth, where graduands are paying £1 for a passport style picture to remember their special day, complete with silly props.

And on a more sober but inspiring note, Outstanding Alumni Awards are being presented to Professor Jean Johnson, a Chemistry graduate improving education in Africa; Professor Sir Robert Lechler, a leading figure in medical research and education; and healthcare marketing expert Philip Chin.

Amazing effort by staff

An incredible 9,000 students will graduate this year, and will be welcomed into an alumni community numbering just under 275,000 and spanning 200 countries. In addition:

• More than 100 Professional Support Services staff are assisting in the ceremonies, primarily from the Schools and Faculties.
• The ceremonies are covered by 16 presiding officers, including Chancellor Tom Bloxham, President and Vice Chancellor Professor Nancy Rothwell, Vice Presidents and Deans.
• 42 academic staff from across the Schools are making speeches and presenting students with their degrees.
• A team of 30 temporary staff help in the hall seating and checking students and guests
• They are assisted by 20 House Services staff, who also proudly carry the mace.
• A small army of staff from various companies and 20 student helpers staff the Academy, where students collect tickets, robes and have their photos taken.
• Around 30 big water fountain bottles are provided just for the presenters and the staff that work in the hall, while our guests get through 200 bottles of Pimms and 15,000 cupcakes!

Head of Student Services Delivery Mike Mercer said: “It’s a very busy fortnight for the team but we love it, the atmosphere on campus is terrific and we enjoy our role saying goodbye and well done to our students.”

Join in the celebrations

You can watch the ceremonies via our live stream from Whitworth Hall.

You are also encouraged to share your graduation memories, stories and advice for this summer's graduands. Visit Alumni Summer Graduation or tweet your graduation thoughts to our Alumni account (@AlumniUoM) with the hashtags #UoMGraduation and #ILoveUoM.

Please note there will be roadworks taking place on Higher Cambridge Street, from Booth Street West to Cambridge Street, and Higher Cambridge Street, at the junction With Booth Street West during the fortnight. For information visit: Greater Manchester Roadworks.